CAEXPO News

CAEXPO: a booster to the cooperation between Laos and China

Source: CAEXPO Wechat Time:2018-08-01 10:23:28

Laos and China, linked by mountains and rivers, are good neighbors, good friends, good comrades, and good partners to each other. Over the past 57 years since establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries, China and Laos have built a steadfast mutual trust in politics, as well as kept on deepening the friendly exchange and pushing ahead with communication and cooperation. It is worth saying that the China-ASEAN Exposition (CAEXPO for short), which was sponsored jointly by the Ministry of Commerce of the P. R. C. and economy and trade authorities of 10 member states of ASEAN together with ASEAN Secretariat, played an active role in the process of boosting development of the friendly cooperation between Laos and China.

CAEXPO: a booster to the cooperation between Laos and China

From 2004 when the first CAEXPO took place to the year of 2018 greeting the 15th anniversary of the founding of CAEXPO, the China-ASEAN Exposition has grown into an important platform for deepening the cooperation of China and ASEAN in fields like political diplomacy, economic and trade exchanges, and cultural exchanges, etc.

During CAEXPO, leaders of China and ASEAN countries gather in Nanning for the grand event. Data show that from the first CAEXPO to the 14th CAEXPO, the China -ASEAN Exposition has been attended by 67 leaders of China and ASEAN countries and more than 2,900 ministerial-level VIP guests. By arranging a series of high-level friendly exchanges like leaders’ speeches at the opening ceremony, meetings of leaders, ministerial-level consultations, Country of Honor activities, and dialogue of political and commercial circles, etc., CAEXPO promoted ASEAN countries to reach high level of consensus, as well as facilitated the policy communication.

Over the past 14 years, Lao Government has attached much importance to CAEXPO’s role of being a platform. Each year, leaders of Laos led a high-ranking delegation to attend CAEXPO, and the frequent attendees include Then Vice President of Laos Bounnhang, Prime Minister of Laos Bouasone Bouphavanh, and Vice Prime Minister of Laos Somsavat, who have attended CAEXPO and delivered speeches at the opening ceremony several times, and regarded the exposition as a home-like place.

Also, political mutual trust provides strong political supports for the economic and trade exchanges between both sides. Over the past 15 years, CAEXPO has been committed to promoting down-to-earth cooperation, and converting China and ASEAN’s common political appeals into tangible economic and trade results. With the help of CAEXPO, the cooperative relationship between Laos and China in economy and trade is being deepened and tightened.

By virtue of CAEXPO, Beerlao, reputed as the best drink of Asia, successfully made inroads into Chinese market, and its sales volume rose sharply from 10,000-odd cases in 2011 to hundreds of thousands of cases in 2017. Today, Beerlao sells well in Chinese market and then exports to 10-odd countries in Europe and America, setting an example for Lao brands’move towards the world. In addition to that, CAEXPO helps expand the cooperation of Laos and China in economy and trade, with fields of cooperation including both bulk commodities and small light industries, and covering minerals, industrial sector, handicraft industry, agriculture, education, public health, hotel, counseling, communication, and construction, etc.

A series of cultural exchange activities, meetings, and forums (including Country of Honor activities, Charming City, and culture & education meetings and forums), which are organized under the framework of CAEXPO, also keep on injecting new energy in the long-term development of the relationship between Laos and China. Particularly, CAEXPO sets up the "Charming City" special exhibition zone each year, and sifts out representative cities of 11 countries including China and 10 ASEAN member states for all-around display. Of which, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, Khammouan, Champasak, Bokeo Province, Oudomxay Province, Attapeu Province, Xaignabouli Province, etc. have ever been defined as "Charming City" of Laos. During CAEXPO, city theme, promotion, and exchange activities were organized, showing the world the unique charms of Laos and promoting further cooperation of cities across regions.

CAEXPO boosts further upgrading of the cooperation between Laos and China

The year of 2018 marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the strategic partnership of China and ASEAN, the Year of Innovation for China and ASEAN, and the 15th anniversary of the founding of CAEXPO. Against this backdrop, the 15th CAEXPO is set to take place in Nanning of China during September 12-15, 2018. For the second time Cambodia will serve as the Country of Honor of CAEXPO, and Tanzania, an African country along the Belt and Road, will act as the Specially Invited Copartner for the first time.

This CAEXPO will continue inviting leaders of China and ASEAN countries to attend. As to Laos, leaders or ministerial-level officials will lead a delegation to attend. During CAEXPO, meeting of leaders and high-end dialogue of political and commercial circles will be held, so that commercial circle of Laos will have a chance to talk with important members of other governments face to face and acquire high-end information.

The 15th CAEXPO will further optimize exhibition contents and investment promotion activities, as well as continue organizing a series of investment promotion activities like ASEAN Industry Park Investment Promotion Conference, round-table meeting for investment cooperation, a series of activities for international capacity cooperation, and briefing on investment policies of ASEAN countries, in a bid to set up a platform for the investment cooperation between both sides.

This year, Laos will continue chartering hall and make use of Hall 5 with 84 booths, highlighting the display of characteristic commodities like wooden furniture & products, jewelry, handicrafts, and clothes and textile products. Vientiane, capital of Laos, has been defined as the Charming City of the 15th CAEXPO. It is the fourth time that Vientiane has been honored the Charming City of CAEXPO.

Cooperation for win-win, move towards lofty goal. With the same political system, similar ideal and faith, and linked future and destiny, Laos and China have a wide range of common interests and huge potential in cooperation. By taking advantage of CAEXPO, Laos and China are bound to promote and upgrade their cooperation.